International pet travel checklist

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3 to 6 months before (longer for Japan or Hawaii)

• Looked up my destination's rules on the APHIS pet travel site
• Found a USDA-accredited veterinarian who does international certificates
• Confirmed my dog has an ISO microchip (15 digits) and noted the number
• Got the rabies vaccine after the microchip (at least 21 days before arrival for the EU or UK)
• Started the rabies titer test and waiting period, if my destination requires one
• Checked whether any country on my trip is on the CDC high-risk rabies list
• Picked an airline that accepts my dog's size and breed, and booked my dog's spot

About 1 month before

• Read my airline's pet rules, fees and health certificate timing
• Bought a carrier that fits under the seat, or an IATA-compliant crate
• Started getting my dog used to the carrier or crate
• Booked the health certificate vet visit inside my destination's time window
• Asked my vet to do the CDC Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination if I'm visiting a high-risk country
• Confirmed my dog will be at least 6 months old when we come back to the U.S.

The final 10 days

• Vet exam done and health certificate issued
• Vet submitted the certificate to APHIS (VEHCS) and I paid the endorsement fee
• Received the endorsed certificate (original ink copy if my destination needs it)
• High-risk trip only, CDC U.S.-issued rabies form endorsed by USDA before departure
• Tapeworm treatment booked 24 to 120 hours before arrival (UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, Norway)
• Mexico only, screwworm inspection certificate issued within 5 days of travel

Travel day

• Endorsed health certificate, vaccine records and permits in my carry-on
• Photos of every document saved on my phone
• Leash, water, bowl, treats, poop bags and a familiar blanket packed
• Arrived early for pet check-in
• Ready to take my dog out of the carrier at security

Coming home to the U.S.

• Filled out a CDC Dog Import Form for each dog and saved the receipt
• Dog's microchip number matches all my paperwork
• Endorsed CDC rabies form with me if we were in a high-risk country
• Receipt ready to show the airline and CBP on arrival
• Arrival airport or crossing matches the one on my receipt

Bringing a dog from abroad (rescue or adoption)

• Checked whether the dog's country is high-risk for rabies
• Foreign rabies vaccination and microchip form signed and government-endorsed
• Rabies titer from a CDC-approved lab, drawn at least 28 days before entry
• Reservation made at a CDC-registered animal care facility
• Flight booked into the airport where that facility is located
• Screwworm certificate, if the dog comes from an affected region

After arrival

• Checked my dog for stress, dehydration or injury and called my vet if worried
• Updated my microchip registry with my current phone and address
• Saved all travel paperwork for next time
• Set a reminder for the next rabies booster

From Bentley's Playhouse · General information, not veterinary or legal advice. Last reviewed October 6, 2026.

Need the reasoning behind each step? Read the full guide.